ISLAMABAD – The first high-level delegation of China under State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi is set to reach Pakistan today on a three-day visit to hold talks with the newly-formed government.
The visit, which comes days after US State of Secretary Mike Pompeo and other key officials’ visit, was announced by Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying. She added that the Chinese official will be reaching Pakistan at the invitation of Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi.
Addressing the regular press briefing, Chunying said, “During the visit, besides holding talks and a joint press conference with Foreign Minister Qureshi, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi will meet with the major leaders of Pakistan”.
The bilateral relations, including China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and the international and regional issues of mutual interest will be discussed.
“We hope that our two countries, through this visit, can renew our traditional friendship, promote mutually beneficial cooperation in various areas and elevate the China-Pakistan all-weather strategic cooperative partnership to a new high” read the press statement.
Highlighting strong ties between the countries, she said: “Our two countries are good neighbors, good friends and good brothers. China-Pakistan ties always maintain a sound momentum of growth as evidenced by frequent high-level exchanges and smooth progress in practical cooperation across the board”.
“What needs to be mentioned is that fruitful outcomes have been reaped in advancing the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor”.
Praising the democratic transition, the spokesperson said that the general election was held smoothly in Pakistan. A new President was elected and the transition of the government was completed in a steady manner.
President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang have sent messages of congratulations to President Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan respectively.
